Prosecutors allege Nokes was unjustified in using deadly force against Isaac Sage during the April 25 confrontation on West Allen Street, and claim that Nokes later provided false information to investigators looking into the case.

Reiter concluded neither assertion is true.

Sage attacked Nokes and a second officer after they tried to arrest him for trespassing, the report confirmed, and after two Taser rounds failed to subdue the man Nokes fired a single shot into Sage's leg.

The bullet incapacitated Sage and quickly led to his arrest.

Nokes suffered a concussion during the attack and remains out on medical leave.

"The use of deadly force under these circumstances would be objectively reasonable and consistent with generally accepted police practices and training," Reiter wrote.

It is unclear what effect the new report might have on Nokes' criminal prosecution. He is charged with aggravated assault on Sage, and providing false information to investigators.

Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Nokes' attorney, Brooks McArthur, said he expects the criminal case will proceed, but said the Reiter report forms an obvious new element for the defense.

The consultant also exonerated Nokes and Officer Chris MacHavern for use of non-deadly force against Sage as well, but criticized Nokes in one respect. When approaching a clearly agitated Sage, Reiter's report said Nokes should have chosen language more likely to de-escalate the tension.